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Bipolar disorder formerly referred to as manic-depression is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings, being mania and depression. There are two types of bipolar disorder, including bipolar disorder I and bipolar disorder II. Bipolar disorder I results in more extreme, persistent episodes and psychotic behaviours. Bipolar II is a less severe condition that seldom results in psychotic behaviours. A rapid switch between both states is known as Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder.Depression is very different from sadness or having “the blues”. Everyone gets down now and then but that isn’t the same. A person who doesn’t suffer bipolar disorder symptoms usually has a reason for sadness or loneliness. Usually this state has an external cause. However a major depressive episode can result in a severe and prolonged depressive state and in extreme cases depression can last for several weeks or longer. Usually there isn’t an external cause for a major depressive episode.Depression results in an imbalance in either or both dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters in the brain. An imbalance refers either to an overabundance or a decreased level of activity in these neurotransmitters. It is this imbalance that leads to the debilitation known as depression.Depressioncan be expressed in many ways. The most serious sign of a major depressive episode is suicidal tendencies which can be expressed either as thoughts or an actual attempt at suicide. During a major depressive episode, often a depressed person will speak of suicidal thoughts, despair, hopelessness, and he or she will state that there is no point in living. These bipolar symptoms are very serious and shouldn’t be ignored. A medical health care provider should be notified immediately.Other signs of major depression can be a decrease in physical activity and a loss of energy. Usually this leads to lethargy and fatigue. An increase in sleep can result to the point where a person is unable to function. In that case a person may be unable to work, engage in normal functions such as household chores, shopping or spending time with family members. Since the person becomes inert, a major depressive episode can also result in weight gain and an unhealthy change in eating habits.Other bipolar symptoms include a sudden loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Hobbies and pastimes that once provided pleasure and are abandoned without a reasonable explanation can also indicate a depressive episode. Extreme irritability, isolation and a lack of communication with others are also indicators that a person is experiencing depression.